Asana Recovery’s Post

As our allies know, we are in a debate about reporting of high-risk, serious injury domestic violence incidents by doctors, nurses, and paramedics in trauma centers in California. Our CEO, Gael Strack, who teaches law school at Cal Western School of Law in San Diego, just finished an analysis of medical mandated reporting laws across the country. It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of such laws. She has identified a correlation between medical reporting laws and domestic violence homicide rates. Proponents of AB 1028 (McKinnor), which will end all reporting of domestic violence unless the victim provides consent (except gunshots), claim that mandated reporting and early intervention has no relation to the rate of women murdered. Gael's research appears to show the exact opposite. In California, medical reporting connects victims to advocacy, services, and support much earlier in an abusive relationship. California Family Justice Centers are able to offer advocacy and support to victims of domestic violence much earlier in the abusive relationship because of California's Suspicious Injury Reporting Law. In high-risk cases with serious injury, it appears the reporting often allows for intervention with the abuser before the victim is murdered. Based on Dr. Jackie Campbell's research, if a woman is strangled by her abusive partner, she is 750% more likely to later be killed by him. Proponents of AB 1028 will not even support reporting of stranglers and the injuries, including traumatic brain injury, that they inflict. We just provided Gael's research to members of the California State Senate who are considering AB 1028. States with no reporting laws and states with laws that provide for no mandatory reporting have some of the highest per capita murder rates of women in the country. We urge California Senators to OPPOSE AB 1028. The Alliance and our allies offered to compromise with proponents of ending all reporting but they would not negotiate. There is no option now but to stop this terrible approach to meeting the needs of survivors of domestic violence in California. Survivors, particularly high-risk, seriously injured victims deserve bedside advocacy. It is the gold standard. AB 1028 provides nothing but referrals and perhaps a brochure. Women will die at higher rates in California if AB 1028 becomes law. CalVCB California Victim Compensation Board California Department of Public Health California Governor's Office of Emergency Services California State Senate

In Maryland and Washington D.C., laws require nursing homes to protect residents against abuse, defined in four main categories: - Physical Abuse: This encompasses actions like hitting, kicking, and other harmful physical interaction. - Financial Abuse: Includes illegal or unauthorized use of a person's finances or assets. - Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity without consent. - Emotional/Verbal Abuse: Actions that inflict emotional pain, including insults or isolation. Awareness is key in safeguarding our elders' dignity and well-being. #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay #ElderAbuseAwareness #ElderAbuse https://lnkd.in/e_aCKQaW

Further news from the President, as he calls for FDAC schemes in every court. FDAC, Family Drug and Alcohol Court, effectively stops the clock in cases deemed appropriate for intervention. That being where, after initial consideration, it is felt that a parent who is showing a real desire to conquer their addiction, is worked with to try to retain their child(ren) in their care. In many care proceedings cases, the 26 week time frame for disposing of matters means that parents just don’t have time to show their ability to tackle their drug and/or alcohol issues. Or, the help and targeted support offered by FDAC isn’t available in the community. FDAC steps in to allow time, targeted intervention and resources. But, it isn’t available in all courts and so, at the moment, it really is a postcode lottery for parents. At Wilson Browne Solicitors the child care team can guide parents through the FDAC process. Equally, if FDAC is not available in the parents local authority area, the team can assist in cases where addiction has led to, or is part of, the local authority concern about a child’s welfare. More information of the FDAC court can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ergewKmv #allthehelpyouneed #carelawyer #FDAC

Thank you for sharing about Melanie Brown's petition, which calls for judges to receive education on domestic abuse in family courts. It's an incredibly important initiative that can greatly impact the way cases of domestic abuse are handled and ensure better protection for survivors and children involved. Your efforts in raising awareness through talks to the judiciary and statutory agencies in Mid and West Wales are commendable. Highlighting the insidious nature of coercive control and its impact, especially in post-separation situations, is crucial. It's disheartening to hear that despite these efforts, survivors still report encountering the same patterns of behaviour from the judiciary. The idea of having an independent domestic abuse specialist overseeing judges' work is a powerful one. Such oversight can ensure adherence to legislation, proper recognition of coercive control, and protection of victims and children. It's essential that judges are held accountable for their decisions and actions, especially when it comes to issues as critical as domestic abuse. Your point about the apparent disregard for current laws and recommendations, such as PD12J and The Harm Panel Report, is troubling. It raises questions about the system's commitment to addressing domestic abuse effectively. Ignoring established laws and international conventions like the ECHR and UNCRC only perpetuates harm and injustice. Advocating for education and accountability within the judiciary is a vital step towards meaningful reform. By addressing these issues, we can work towards a system that truly prioritises the safety and well-being of survivors and their families. Thank you for your advocacy and for sharing your own story—it adds a powerful personal dimension to this important conversation. #MTICBIAI #MyTraumaIsChronicButIAmIconic #DomesticAbuseAwareness #FamilyCourtReform #JudicialEducation #CoerciveControl #ProtectSurvivors #ChildProtection #AccountabilityInLaw #EndAbuseNow #LegalReformNeeded #SurvivorsSpeakOut #HarmPanelReport #ECHRViolation #UNCRCProtection #JudicialOversight #SpeakUpSurvivors

In this County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA) program, Dr. Peter Choate and Dr. Gaye Watson Warthe delve into the various facets of family violence, and the implications for the legal process. The presenters examine how court processes can perpetuate abuse, and emphasize court management's role in prevention. Drs. Peter Choate and Gaye Watson Warthe provide guidance on how to recognize family violence, discuss the types of violence, and the cumulative impact of family violence on pregnancy,  and on the neural development of adolescence. Drs. Peter Choate and Gaye Watson Warthe delve into four case typologies, and the limitations of commonly suggested “solutions" to family violence. The pair discuss the language used to describe abuse, and how coercive control is common in most cases. They also address the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, recent immigrants, and those living in rural or remote areas. Watch the full #CPDaccredited program on-demand at CPDonline.ca! https://lnkd.in/gspcvepH #Law #lawstudents #lawyers #lawfirmmarketing #lawyerlife #lawyering #lawsuits #lawandlegislation #legalissues #legalprofession

We are so pleased to hear the news that the UK government is supporting the recommendations in the Abuse Commissioner for England & Wales' Nicole Jacobs report, 'The Family Court and domestic abuse: achieving cultural change'. The report called on the government to produce reforms for adult and child victims and survivors of #domesticabuse in the #FamilyCourt. Of critical importance is the fact the report contained findings from a legal practitioner survey that more than 80 percent of those surveyed felt that the Family Court was likely to re-traumatise victims and survivors of domestic abuse. It gives us hope that legal practitioners - i.e., those working from within the legal system, are aware of the issues and have also identified the urgent need for change. The re-traumatisation aspect is certainly an experience common to many of our Mins, our client mums, who have experienced post-separation emotional abuse and are also often on the receiving end of such legal abuse. We'll wholeheartedly get behind Nicole and the government's joint efforts to make significant changes to the existing system. Keep up the excellent work Nicole Jacobs! #emotionalabuse #legalabuse #Cafcass

In the face of a national crisis, Maine’s public health-centered approach to overdose Good Samaritan laws is a step in the right direction. In the latest Insight article, "Effective, Equity-focused Overdose Good Samaritan Laws: Maine Leads the Way," Corey S. Davis, explores how Maine's legislation sets a new standard in providing immunity, fostering a safer environment for all. The crux of Good Samaritan laws is to encourage individuals to seek emergency assistance during overdose situations without fear of legal repercussions. Traditional laws have often fallen short, offering limited protections that fail to address the broader, systemic fears that prevent people from calling for help. This move represents good progress towards equitable public health policy, ensuring that those in need can access life-saving interventions without the threat of arrest or prosecution. Read the full article to understand how Maine's approach could serve as a model for other states 👇 https://lnkd.in/eW3BizZ7. #PublicHealthLaw #GoodSamaritanLaws #OverdosePrevention #EquityInHealthcare #PolicyInnovation

Survivors of domestic abuse are not being listened to, and the family courts are failing to act on their concerns. That’s according to the family courts petition started by former Spice Girl, Mel B. The petition goes on to say that despite around 60% of cases dealing with child arrangements involving domestic violence, many judges simply don’t have enough training to help them fully understand the issue. As a family solicitor, the cases the petition discusses are often incredibly complex (not to mention challenging and emotive for all involved). However, as the family courts come under increased scrutiny for how victims of domestic abuse feel about their experience, there’s no doubt that this issue continues to gain momentum. I’ve always believed that the more knowledge we as professionals have, the more able we’ll be to support the families going through it. And it seems I’m not alone, as Mel B’s petition gets nearer to it’s 25,000 signature target. Is compulsory, ongoing judicial training on domestic violence something we’re likely to see in the future? #JudicialTraining #FamilyCourts #DomesticAbuse

A vital conversation indeed! 🗣 Strengthening Good Samaritan Laws is a crucial step towards a compassionate, health-focused approach to drug-related crises. 🚑 By protecting those who seek emergency help, we can save lives without the shadow of criminal repercussions. #GoodSamaritanLaw #PublicHealthPolicy #CompassionateLegislation It's about building a bridge between law enforcement and public health that respects the complexities of addiction. 🌉🩺 Sharing this to underscore the importance of nuanced policies in saving lives and supporting recovery. 🔄🙌🏽 #DrugPolicyReform #SaveLives #HealthcareNotHandcuffs Let's rally for change that champions empathy and action! 🤝💚